Carbon Copy Podcast

Plastic, specifically single-use plastic, is ubiquitous in all of our lives. Food, beauty products, household items – nearly all come with in plastic bag, container or even both. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Daniel Webb, founded and CEO of Everyday Plastic, to discuss how we can collectively reduce the 1.7 billion pieces of plastic thrown away in the UK every week. We learn about plastic-busting campaigns led by City to Sea (the organisation behind Refill), from CEO Natalie Fée, and about the challenges and of starting a plastic-free beauty brand from KinKind founder Victoria Coe. Listen now and hear: About the Big Plastic Count, the biennial citizen science project to determine the current situation with plastic waste in the UK. The story of City to Sea – how witnessing plastic pollution in her home city led Natalie to start her amazing organisation. About the opportunity for retailers and big brands to lead the way in reducing plastic.Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/use-less-plastic--------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes  Find out more about using less plastic: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/use-less-plastic  Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast   Find out about Everyday Plastic: https://www.everydayplastic.org/ Learn about the Big Plastic Count: https://thebigplasticcount.com/ Visit the City to Sea website: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/  See the work of Chris Jordan and watch the film Albatross: https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/  Find out more about KinKind: https://kinkind.co.uk Read about the Global Plastics Treaty: https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution Find out about the Refill campaign: https://www.refill.org.uk/ Read about the Plastic Free Communities initiative: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plastic-free-communities  Listen to our podcast episode, Bottle By Bottle: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/bottle-by-bottle  

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore campaigns where local action is integral to national progress. We hear about We’re Right Here, the campaign for the Community Power Act. We chat to two of the campaign’s local leaders, Claude Hendrickson MBE, a diversity and inclusion expert and community housing advocate based in Leeds; and Charlotte Hollins, tenant farmer at Fordhall Farm, the UK’s first community-owned farm. We also learn about Zero Hour, the campaign for the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. We speak to Political Communications Manager Allan Gray, who tells us about a new push for people across the UK to show their support for the bill through constituency-specific open letters. We uncover how Climate Emergency UK’s latest Council Climate Action Scorecards can be used as a lobbying tool locally and at a national level to call for better funding and support for councils to implement their climate action plans, and hear about the call for climate statutory duty for councils, which would make targets legally binding for local authorities, and could help to accelerate action across the UK. Listen now and learn: Why engaging your MP and building a rapport could be the key to securing more political support for climate and nature. How delegating responsibilities for decision-making and service provision to local people could save time, money and resources. How to use the council climate action scorecards to learn more about the issues in your area so you can lobby for change locally. How to get involved by adding your voice to high-impact campaigns for climate and nature. Full transcript available at https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/lobby-for-change----------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about lobbying for change: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/lobby-for-change Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Find your Council’s Climate Action Scorecard score: https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/ Learn about Climate Statutory Duty for councils: https://climateemergency.uk/were-behind-on-our-climate-targets-for-2030-so-make-action-a-council-duty/ Learn about the We’re Right Here campaign: https://www.right-here.org/ Read about the Climate and Nature Bill, and sign an open letter in your constituency: https://action.zerohour.uk/ Take part in The Climate Coalition (TCC)’s Mass Lobby event: https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/act-now-change-forever  Share your thoughts, feedback or suggestions with us: hello@carboncopy.eco  

When we think of protecting nature, we almost always think of forests, meadows, rivers and lakes – and the animals that reside in them. But nature extends way beyond the tide line. Beneath the waves there are habitats and species that not only enrich our lives, but are fundamental to them. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we connect the dots between the land and sea, and explore how work to restore marine ecosystems has benefits for both people and planet. Listen to hear: How marine species like seagrass, kelp and oysters can help to build coastal resilience, tackle climate change and help biodiversity. About Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s approach to involving the local community in marine conservation. Why the health of our seas and oceans is under threat – and what we can do to address this. How WWF UK is helping people to feel more connected to the sea, regardless of where they live in the country. What podcast hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham thought about the new documentary Ocean, with David Attenborough – and how its message is relevant to people in the UK. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/protect-our-shores -------------------------------------Show notes Find out more about protecting our shores: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/protect-our-shores  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction        Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Learn more about Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore network: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/our-conservation-work/at-sea/your-shore-network Learn about Cornwall Council’s Marine Nature Recovery Framework (MNRF): https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall-and-the-isles-of-scilly-marine-nature-recovery-framework Read about seaweed farming initiatives Car-y-Mor and SeaGrown. Read about WWF UK’s projects around aquaculture. Sign the Living Planet Act: https://www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-planet-act Find out about volunteering opportunities with your local Wildlife Trust: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/closer-to-nature/volunteer 

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore how switching the car for walking or cycling is a positive change that’s about so much more than climate. Join our host Isabelle Sparrow and guest co-host Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Research & Campaign Manager at Possible, to learn how driving less and choosing an active lifestyle has health, air quality and economic benefits too! Hear from cycling advocates Mariam Draaijer of JoyRiders, and Katie Collier and Rosie Venner of Bike Worcester about their work helping more people, especially women and families, to choose cycling to get around. We also meet Joe Durbidge of IWGB and delve into the Hot Wheels campaign, which is calling for more support to allow couriers to choose sustainable transport options. Listen now and discover: The dramatic NHS savings possible if more people chose to cycle instead of drive. The biggest barriers to walking and cycling – and how these are being tackled. What you can do to help more people choose active travel where you live. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/walk-and-cycle--------------------------------------------- Show notes  Find out more about walking and cycling: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/walk-and-cycle  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction       Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Learn more about JoyRiders, on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/joyriders-women-cycling-together  Learn more about Bike Worcester, on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/bike-worcester  Read about Possible’s work on sustainable transport: https://www.wearepossible.org/getting-around  DIscover more about the London Cycling Campaign’s women’s network: https://lcc.org.uk/campaigns/womens-freedom/  Read about the Hot Wheels campaign: https://www.wearepossible.org/hotwheels  Learn more about Bikeability and cycle proficiency: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/  Share your feedback: hello@carboncopy.eco 

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is rejoined by Kathryn Machin, Head of Community Engagement Campaigns at WWF UK, to explore their work and those of organisations around the UK, to help more people to spend more time in nature. We learn how Tayshan-Hayden Smith and members of his community in North Kensington have transformed previously derelict spaces into thriving gardens, and places to reflect and find solace following the Grenfell Tower tragedy; and we learn how Greening Maindee is helping people in one of the most deprived parts of Newport to reap the positive mental and physical wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature. Listen now to hear: Why access to nature is so important for our wellbeing, and how WWF UK is helping more people to benefit through their campaign A Prescription for Nature. How Grow to Know and Greening Maindee are changing perceptions and building trust – both with the local community and with local government and support organisations. About the potential for gardening and creating space for nature to heal trauma and create a brighter future for communities.Access the full episode transcript at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/create-space-for-nature----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about creating space for nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/create-space-for-nature  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     Listen to All Nature: Nourishing Connections, our previous Carbon Copy Podcast episode focused on urban gardening and community growing projects: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/all-nature-nourishing-connections Read about Grow to Know: https://www.growtoknow.world/ Read about Greening Maindee: https://www.maindee.org/greening Learn more about A Prescription for Nature from WWF: https://www.wwf.org.uk/prescription-for-nature  Learn about the Nature Neighbourhoods programme: https://peoplesplanfornature.org/nature-neighbourhoods  Send us an email: hello@carboncopy.eco  

If food waste were a country, it would be the second biggest global emitter of carbon emissions after the US and China. It’s a big environmental, economic and social problem. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we chat to four different guests, each with a different perspective on how to prevent good food ending up in the bin. We hear from Fiona Bell whose initiative CropDrop helps to connect alloment growers to local food projects, we meet Kate Page from Fooditude, a London-based corporate catering business that is putting sustainability right at the top of the menu. We also explore different ways to use up surplus food, from the high-end event catering provided by Open Kitchen, to the vital support offered to local community organisations by FareShare. Listen to hear: Why food waste happens in the first place – and why it’s not just about what we can do individually. How businesses can save money and improve their environmental credentials through better planning around catering. Why more government funding is needed to make food waste from farms a thing of the past. What you can do to support organisations that are tackling this big local issue. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/reduce-food-waste.------------------------------------------------------ Show notes Find out more about reducing food waste: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/reduce-food-waste  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     Read more about CropDrop: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/cropdrop  Learn more about Fooditude: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/fooditude  Read about Open Kitchen: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/open-kitchen Learn about Menu for Change in Greater Manchester: https://www.openkitchenmcr.co.uk/menuforchange  Learn about FareShare: https://fareshare.org.uk/  

The energy transition is not just about reducing carbon emissions. Local community-generated power can bring huge benefits to communities – economic, social and environmental. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we chat to John Taylor from Community Energy England and Beth McAllister from Oxfordshire’s Low Carbon Hub, about the positive impact that generating energy locally can have. Listen, to hear Carbon Copy’s Isabelle Sparrow and renewable energy advocate Sonya Bedford MBE examining the different ways to get involved – regardless of your background or expertise. . Learn about the options for energy generation locally. Hear about opportunities to contribute with different skills and experience. Find out what support and guidance is available to help you get started. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/generate-energy-locally-----------------------------------------------------------------Show notes Find out more about generating energy locally: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/generate-energy-locally  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Read about Ambition Lawrence Weston, the UK’s first community-owned wind turbine: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/ambition-lawrence-weston  Read about the community energy organisations Sonya mentions, Exeter Community Energy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/exeter-community-energy-ecoe  Avalon Community Energy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/avalon-community-energy  Find out more about Community Energy England: https://communityenergyengland.org/  Read about Low Carbon Hub on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/low-carbon-hub  Learn more about the Energy Learning Network that John mentions: https://ashden.org/energy-learning-network/  Discover over 400 more renewable energy projects on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/action-area/energy  Get in touch with us and let us know what you thought of this episode: hello@carboncopy.eco 

Whilst planting trees might seem like an obvious action to tackle the climate and nature crises, there’s more to reforestation than meets the eye. In this episode of Do Something Bigger, from the Carbon Copy Podcast, we meet Carl Rowlinson founder of woodland creation initiative Plant One Cornwall, who shares his story of turning a feeling of helplessness about the world into a positive and impactful county-wide project. We also hear from the aptly named Dave Wood, CEO of Bristol-Avon based Avon Needs Trees; a charity taking an innovative approach to purchasing land specifically for woodland creation and management. Listen now to learn: Why simply planting trees does not go far enough. How trees are a fantastic way to engage different people in issues around nature and the environment. The importance of allowing natural species that might be usually considered “weeds” to grow and support young trees. That almost everyone has a favourite tree or trees, if they think about it hard enough! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Show notes For a full transcript visit: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/plant-more-treesFind out more about planting trees: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/plant-more-trees Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    Read about Plant One Cornwall on the Carbon Copy website: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plant-one  Read about Avon Needs Trees on the Carbon Copy website: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/avon-needs-trees  Read about finding tree-related action you can take near you via The Woodland Trust: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/take-action-in-your-community/  

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow and producer Bradley Ingham chat to reuse and repair experts Dr Adam Read MBE and Clare Seek. They discuss the plethora of co-benefits brought by a circular economy, and outline their visions for a future in which repair and reuse is normalised and celebrated. We learn about The Renew Hub, the incredible large-scale reuse operation run by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK in Greater Manchester, which is saving useable items from ending up in landfill. We also hear about how Share (Portsmouth) has developed from pop-up shop to a thriving community organisation, helping to bring people together and creating connections that go beyond repair. Listen and learn: How SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK works with apprentices and people returning to work, and has created employment for people in skilled careers. How The Renew Hub looks to be inclusive, ensuring secondhand items are available at price points suitable for people in all circumstances. Why Clare hopes that Share (Portsmouth) might one day not exist!  ---------------------------------------------------  Show Notes For a full transcript visit: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/repair-and-reuseFind out more about repair and reuse: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/repair-instead-of-recycle Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Learn about Share (Portsmouth) on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/share-portsmouth  Learn about The Renew Hub on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/renew-hub  Read about the history of repair cafés: https://www.repaircafe.org/en/about/  Read about progress on the Right to Repair campaign, and what you can do: https://therestartproject.org/right-to-repair/uk-progress-2025/